Fig. 3.5
If the photographer is patient and just watches, the
child will produce some wonderfully natural poses
without any guidance. Just being ready with the
camera and knowing when to press the shutter can
capture some honest and true portraits.
Image taken in the studio. Crimson Colourama, 1
Elinchrom BRXi 500, Octa 100cm softbox key light,
Nikon D2Xs and 24–70 lens.Babies 4–6 Months and Onwards
Whencontactedtotakeimagesofbabiesandtoddlers,the
firstquestiontoasktheparentis:Whenaretheyattheir
bestand mostalert duringtheday?Thereisnopointin
bookingashootforwhenachildisdueanaporafeed,as
you will be fighting a losing battle from the off! As a
general rulemostportrait shootsinvolvingyounger ones
arebetter to be scheduledfirst thingin themorning, as
childrentendtobeattheirmostawakeandresponsive;but
remember,thismaynotbetrueforall,soitisbesttobe
guided by the parent in most cases.
Advisetheparenttobringalongafewchangesofclothes,
andthosethattheyassociateorarespecialtothechildat
thisparticulartime. Suggestcoloursandaccessories,and
advise that these willpersonalizethe portrait.
Itisalsoagoodideatosuggesttheparentbringsalonga
snackandadrinktohaveabreakhalfwaythrough.Raisins
areagreatstapletohavereadyjustincase,andcanrescue
a grumpy little one!